Tangy Vegan Farmhouse Caesar Salad

Charlotte Dupont Photography

Tangy Vegan Farmhouse Caesar Salad

In this healthy twist, creamy tahini and pepita-based dressing take the place of eggs and anchovies for that classic tangy Caesar taste.  

Share this
Serves: 4
Print

Thick, creamy dressing and fresh greens are paired with buttery, crunchy croutons and smoky vegan bacon bits for a flavor-forward vegan version of this classic salad in this recipe from the Eating for the Planet Cookbook. Add a meatier protein such as blackened tempeh or store bought vegan chicken to make it even heartier. 

What you need:

For the dressing:
½ cup raw pumpkin seeds
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2½ tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon tahini
1 tablespoon minced roasted garlic
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ cup water

For the cashew parmesan:
3 tablespoons raw cashews
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
¼ teaspoon salt

⅛ teaspoon garlic powder

For the salad:
1 (5-ounce) package baby kale salad greens
½ cup vegan bacon bits
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup vegan croutons

What you do:

  1. For the dressing, into a high-powered blender, add all ingredients, and blend, scraping down sides as necessary, until smooth. Refrigerate at least 4 hours to allow flavor to develop. Dressing will keep in refrigerator for up to 5 days in a tightly covered container. 
  2. For the cashew parmesan, in a food processor, combine all ingredients and process to fine crumbs. Store in a tightly covered container in refrigerator for up to a month. 
  3. For the salad, in a large bowl, toss kale with bacon bits and prepared dressing. Divide salad among 4 bowls or plates and top each with tomatoes, croutons, and cashew parmesan.
For more plant-based recipes like this, read:

Here at VegNews, we live and breathe the vegan lifestyle, and only recommend products we feel make our lives amazing. Occasionally, articles may include shopping links where we might earn a small commission. In no way does this effect the editorial integrity of VegNews.